Physical Chemistry by P.W. Atkins

...would have to say that Physical is the toughest branch out of all of them due to its highly theoretical and mathematical nature. I enjoy all the branches thoroughly, perhaps Physical a bit more due to its unlimited possibilities of what could be done with mathematics. I only like it WHEN it has been explained very well, with adequate explanations to accompany the equations and mathematical notations.

''' === Who wrote this? -=== '''
...the three main branches of Physical Chemistry which are Equilibrium, Structure and Change.

''' ===- Good explanations? -=== '''
I have hardly used this textbook due to one reason: It is very hard to get through this! Anyone who is currently learning the main basics of Mathematics ( ie differentiation/integration) and still can't do further manipulation should avoid this textbook. Atkins who teaches at Oxford where A-level Mathematics ... more

===- Introduction -===
After starting at UCL to read Chemistry; I had to purchase the specified core textbooks needed for the course, this was one of them. There are three main branches in Chemistry; Organic, Inorganic and Physical. I would have to say that Physical is the toughest branch out of all of them due to its highly theoretical and mathematical nature. I enjoy all the branches thoroughly, perhaps Physical a bit more due to its unlimited possibilities of what could be done with mathematics. I only like it WHEN it has been explained very well, with adequate explanations to accompany the equations and mathematical notations.

=== Who wrote this? -===
This textbook Physical Chemistry is mainly penned by Peter Atkins, an Engish Chemist that is a professor at University of Oxford, he is seen as a current pinnacle in the world of Chemistry; my tutors speak of him very highly. He has also written Inorganic Chemistry, which I also own too. His books are amongst the most popular chemistry textbooks in the world.

Standing at 1068 pages, it is a pretty bulky textbook but nothing comparable to my organic textbook which is twice as big in terms of depth! The 1068 pages also includes page after page of index listings where it includes specific words that you are looking for, an extensive introduction at the beginning to explain the three main branches of Physical Chemistry which are Equilibrium, Structure and Change.

===- Good explanations? -===
I have hardly used this textbook due to one reason: It is very hard to get through this! Anyone who is currently learning the main basics of Mathematics ( ie differentiation/integration) and still can't do further manipulation should avoid this textbook. Atkins who teaches at Oxford where A-level Mathematics is a mandatory qualification prior to starting and expects every single 1st year chemistry undergraduate to have this level of Mathematics at the beginning of the year. Due to the changing nature of applicants for Chemistry at undergraduate level where they demand less mathematical qualification as they will teach it in the first year as an optional course. Atkins should know this as he will have seen some evidence at Oxford and should have adjusted his textbooks accordingly! The number of applicants have been falling year after year in Chemistry thus the level of mathematical ability also has. I have not seen his previous editions before 8th, but even with my limited differentiation/ intergration, I still was not able to grasp the mathematical explanations Atkins provided in his textbooks, mainly because he just threw in the mathematical notations in boxed diagrams and hoped they made sense to those with not much mathematical knowledge. He didn't explain step by step of how he came to reach a certain conclusion in his working outs. This is why this textbook was hardly used as I attempted many times and failed and used a better textbook that explained the mathematical bits. This was really unfortunate because the mathematics really take up a large chunk of the textbook!

==- Visual images? -===

However, he has provided a lot of diagrams in this textbook which is coloured and the layout is far more appealing to the eye. They are all computer-generated so it is a lot easier to imagine the processes and whatnots in my head if needed. He has provided a lot of graphs where suitable, and they are for the most part clear and has provided clear summaries alongside the graphs. He has tried not to over-complicate his favourite subject and it really shows with his clear and concise explanations; but there are some pages where it is rather unclear!

===- Any other features -===

At every end of the chapter, Atkins provides questions that are self-testing so you can test yourself to get the correct answers. The downside is that you have to check the answer yourself by going back checking the chapter again! If you have read it thoroughly and still unclear on what is the correct answer, this is where his method fails. This just leads me to having to go to someone else who I know would be able to answer it.

The book comes with a CD that allows you access to a website with animations which is very helpful.

I have to stay with this book as seeing it is one of the best Physical Chemistry textbook on the market and it has been a disappointing textbook so far; fortunately his other books are better written and more helpful so it was not a total loss buying Atkins textbooks. I will continuously be on the outlook for any new Physical Chemistry textbooks that could be better than this book, it wouldn't be that hard to be honest! 

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